research
overview and introduction
investing in the future of healthcare
The National Kidney Foundation of Illinois is committed to funding the most promising kidney disease research in the state of Illinois. By offering grants for basic, translational and clinical research in kidney disease to scientists and clinicians at various career levels, the NKFI seeks to advance treatment, improve the management of CKD, and ultimately - develop a cure.
In keeping with our mission, the NKFI prioritizes patient-oriented projects that will increase the understanding of kidney, urologic and transplantation-related diseases. The NKF, its affiliates, and divisions are leaders in research, and collectively are responsible for funding over one third of all medical research for kidney disease in the United States.
Resources for research are provided via our endowment, which is funded by the Tony Noel Memorial Research Fund, individual gifts, the Noel Foundation and select proceeds from Gift of Life Gala events.
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To discuss research opportunities, or for more information
Please contact the NKFI's Programs Director, Rachel DePauw
email: rdepauw@nkfi.org | phone: (312) 321 - 1500 ext. 258
research grants program
current opportunities
Fellowship Grant
In keeping with NKFI’s mission, the Fellowship Research Grant program funds nephrology or transplant fellows who are participating in research projects that will increase the understanding of kidney and transplantation-related diseases, and improve the clinical management and treatment or cure of these diseases.
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Application Deadline: Additional information coming soon
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Notification of Award:
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Funding Begins:
The Innovations Grant
This grant supports and funds new, innovative applications, research, technologies, and other novel processes that lead to more effective, equitable and sustainable solutions to improve the lives of those at risk for kidney disease and transplantation-related diseases, and/or improve the prevention, management and treatment or cure of these diseases.
This grant is open to innovators addressing all sorts of kidney and transplant community needs. Projects can be at various stages of the innovation process including identifying the need, increasing collective understanding of the issue, generating ideas or testing and implementing solutions. Proposals can focus on one area or span multiple stages.
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Application Deadline: Additional information coming soon
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Notification of Award:
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Funds Disseminated:
Medical Student Awards
In keeping with NKFI’s mission, the Medical Student Research Grant program funds medical-student investigators who are participating in research projects that will increase the understanding of kidney, urologic and transplantation-related diseases, and improve the clinical management and treatment or cure of these diseases.
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Up to 3 awarded per year
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Application Deadline: April 1, 2024
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Notification of Award: April 15, 2024
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Funding Disseminated: May 1, 2024
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Young Investigator Research Grant
The Young Investigator Research Grant program funds investigators who have research projects that will increase the understanding of kidney and transplantation-related diseases and improve the clinical management and treatment or cure of these diseases.
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Application Deadline: May 3, 2024
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Notification of Award: June 14, 2024
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Funding Begins: July 1, 2024
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Crain's Business article about 2013-2015 Young Investigator Recipient Dr. Jason Wertheim's research.
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Video interview with 2019 Young Investigator Recipient Dr. Stephanie Toth-Manikowski.